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Two of the first three at the very end of the ultra-long distance race for women were Norwegian. A young and talented athlete in third place and a very experienced athlete in first place. It was a good day for Norwegian women.

– It was really nice to win the last and demanding ultra-long distance, says the winner Marte Reenaas. She is 31 years old and now taking one season at a time, but already knowing that she will go for another season. She is still missing an individual gold from the World Championships. In relay she won in 2005. –Yes, the goal is to win gold at the World Championships next winter and I will work hard to be better with the map, she says.

In second place was Helene Söderlund, Sweden, with a good end to an up and down season.

Young and promising

Just nine seconds after Helene finished the Norwegian Barbro Kvåle. She is just 18 years old, but has impressed during the winter, not least yesterday. –It was good of hwer to stay so calm and do so well at the end of the race, her team-mate Marte Reenaas says. Marte is also Barbro’s trainer in the Norwegian youth team.

– I couldn’t believe I could do so well among the seniors. I have still two more years as a junior, Barbro says. She won two gold medals at this year’s Junior World Championships.

No mistakes

Today, Barbro had the same combination of controls as Natalya Tomilova and was behind her for most of the race, but when the Russian made a mistake on the last loop, Barbro passed her. The Norwegian read the map more carefully. On Tuesday Barbro, Marie Asprusten who is also a junior, and Marte were second in the World Cup Relay.

– Now I hope Barbro and Marie will take part in the World Championships Relay next year, says Marte.

– I really want to take part in the World Championships, Barbro confirms.

Photo: Erik Borg

Marte Reenaas comes in to take her third victory in the World Cup this winter.